Polling for 16 constituencies in the sixth round of the seven-phased assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday began amid tight security and snowfall in upper reaches of the state."The voter turn-out was low this morning due to chilly conditions because of snowfall in Peer Panjal range and rains in plains. However, polling staff and security personnel took their positions at 1,268 polling booths by 7.30 am," official sources said.Electoral fortunes of 271 candidates, including two former chief ministers – Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad – would be decided on Wednesday.As many as 20,000 additional security forces personnel and nearly 10,000 local policemen have been deployed at the polling booths for smooth conduct of polls, they said.Over 11.65 lakh voters are eligible to cast their vote at 1,268 polling stations in the 16 constituencies in Anantnag, Kulgam, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.Sayeed, who won from Pahalgam constituency in 2004 by-poll, is contesting from Anantnag this time. Although there are 23 candidates in fray, the PDP Patron is facing a stiff competition from his former lieutenant and NC state president Mehboob Beg.Azad, who is seeking re-election from Bhaderwah constituency, is locked in a triangular contest with NC's Mohammad Aslam Goni and Sheikh Mujeeb of PDP though there are 10 others in the fray.Ten former ministers – Abdul Aziz Zargar, Abdul Rehman Veeri, Abdul Gaffar Sofi, Peer Mohammad Hussain, G A Mir, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, G M Saroori, Mehboob Beg, Sakina Itoo and Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah – are also seeking a re-run in the state Assembly.State CPI (M) chief Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami is also in the fray.As compared to 2002 assembly elections when 124 candidates were in contest, this time a record number of 271 leaders, including 11 women, are trying their luck in 16 constituencies.Banihal constituency has largest number of 24 candidates, followed by 23 in Anantnag, 20 each in Kokernag, Dooru, Devsar and Doda, 18 each in Inderwal and Kulgam, 17 in Shangus, 15 in Noorabad, 13 each in Homshalibugh, Bhaderwah, Ramban and Kishtwar, 12 each in Pahalgam and Bijbehara.Barring the death of a PDP activist in a political clash at Dhamhal Hanjipora in Kulgam district, campaigning for the sixth round concluded peacefully on Monday.Meanwhile, 20 polling stations in five assembly constituencies of Anantnag district have been shifted following request by the contesting parties."The change of location of 20 polling stations have been effected with the approval of the Election Commission," District Election Officer Gazanfer Hussain said.Out of the 20 polling stations, nine are from Anantnag constituency, Dooru (five), Kokernag (two), Bijbehara (three) and Shangus (one), he said.
